Top 10 Underrated and Potential FIFA 16 Players

Editor: fifa16mall Time: 09/26/2015

Some players will simply opt for those who have the greatest overall stats. Others will look for specialists who possess one or two key qualities—usually pace or finishing—without worrying too much about the bigger picture. The truth is, the latter type of gamer is often forced to work with an underrated bunch.

Such players may keep your FUT16 costs down, though, and can be used to gain an edge on the competition.

Here, we've put together a rundown of the top 10 talents who deserve—and will likely receive—an upgrade in the near future.

Not only was Sergio Aguero the Premier League's top scorer with 26 goals last season, he ranks among the small gaggle of players who can consider themselves next in line to the footballing throne after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Aguero deserves to be considered alongside Luis Suarez (89), Neymar (88) and, on his day, Eden Hazard (89) as someone who would contend for a Ballon d'Or if the two aforementioned superstars were nowhere to be seen. However, the Argentinian's overall rating is lacking.

He shares the same total score as Mesut Ozil, Luka Modric and Jerome Boateng on FIFA 16. Aguero even started FUT14 one point higher than he's ranked now.

As arguably the best out-and-out striker on the planet ("What about Robert Lewandowski!?"), he has a right to feel aggrieved.

9. Thiago Motta, Paris Saint-Germain

FUT16 Rating: 81

For Comparison: Lucas Biglia (82), Jeremy Toulalan (82).

Thiago Motta's dogged nature doesn't translate well on to FUT16, where his lack of pace (44) and shooting (66) skills severely impact his overall rating. He is an accurate passer of the ball and someone whose aggression (87) means he often hunts the opposition down when others wouldn't.

The Italian's overall score has dropped one point in the last 12 months, but he's particularly useful when concocting a hybrid squad without seeing a drop in chemistry.

His medium attacking and defensive work rates also mean you can pair him up with a more offensively minded central midfielder and not have any worries about the centre of the pitch being left open.

8. Yacine Brahimi, Porto

FUT16 Rating: 80

For Comparison: Nicolas Gaitan (83), Nani (82), Kevin Mirallas (80).

Despite a disappointing overall rating, Yacine Brahimi is an example of a player who flaunts stunning stats in all the right places. His pace (81) and dribbling (88) combine with deadly free-kick quality (83) to make him a hugely fun player to use out wide.

The 25-year-old is also excellent for cutting in from the left to hammer long shots home with his right foot. However, a handful of key passing stats, such as crossing (70) and vision (76), deserve an upgrade.

He's most likely to be a contender for an in-form during the campaign, so with a handful of stunning performances, the Algerian will finally receive the card he deserves.

7. Chris Smalling, Manchester United

FUT16 Rating: 79

For Comparison: Phil Jones (80), Marcos Rojo (81), Stefan Savic (81).

Chris Smalling has become Manchester United's most important defender and, dare I say it, a leader for the team. Yet he's far away from receiving the recognition he deserves on FUT16.

This is best highlighted by Phil Jones, his team-mate, receiving the higher rating. While Jones was certainly expected to go further than Smalling when they both first arrived at Old Trafford, only the latter has pushed on.

Let's hope EA addresses this when the Christmas upgrades arrive; if Smalling can keep his form going, of course.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is perhaps a victim of not being able to regularly show his skills in time for FIFA 16. The 19-year old continues to be used sparingly by Jose Mourinho, but he's more than impressed so far.

On the game, he is currently lumped in with many Premier League youngsters who are yet to break out.

While Loftus-Cheek is destined to be an expensive bronze card, it's difficult to escape the feeling he should enjoy a solid silver rating.

Antoine Griezmann netted 22 goals in La Liga last season, equal with Neymar. While this is an impressive feat, Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has managed to channel the Frenchman's energy into more than just making darting runs forward.

Griezmann can now lead the line—hence his striker card—play off the shoulder or cut in from the wing. While FUT16 users will most likely stick to the first position in order to maintain chemistry, it's something of a letdown to see Griezmann's overall quality improve just one point from where he was this time last year.

He has become a more well-rounded, responsible player, but this isn't completely reflected.

The Premier League's ridiculous £5.1 billion television rights deal may be a key reason why West Ham United managed to snag Dimitri Payet from Marseille. Few players in Europe matched his seven domestic goals and 16 assists last season, but in a true showing of class, Payet has quickly adapted to life in England.

This is highlighted by EA Sports handing him an in-form card during FIFA 16's first Team of the Week selection. The 82-rated card is closer to where Payet's base score should be, especially as he's continued to create and score goals across multiple years.

It wouldn't have looked out of place if Manchester United, Arsenal or another elite side snapped Payet up during the summer, so Slaven Bilic and the Hammers should be applauded for landing an absolute gem.

At the time of writing, Riyad Mahrez sits as the Premier League's joint-top scorer alongside Bournemouth's Callum Wilson, both of whom have netted five in six matches. Only Manchester City's David Silva and Wes Hoolahan of Norwich City have created more goals than Mahrez's three, per WhoScored.com.

He has been linked with Arsenal and Barcelona, reported by ESPN FC (h/t David Wright of the Express), yet even with an in-form, Mahrez is yet to receive a gold card on FUT16. This will almost certainly change in the new year when upgrades arrive, as Mahrez's name is gaining traction on a global scale.

Douglas Costa is proving to be an endlessly exciting and shrewd piece of business by Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola. His five-star skills, electric pace (90) and Brazilian nationality means he can be vital in the assembling of many versatile squads or hybrid teams on FUT16.

One drawback with Costa is his medium attacking and low defensive work rates. He isn't always going to support forays forward, and he's rarely going to defend unless you manually bring him back.

This will be a deal-breaker for players who like to utilise high pressure whenever the opposition controls possession. Even so, his overall rating should be increased.

Michael Carrick's career can be defined by the word "underrated." Like Sergio Busquets at Barcelona, the midfield metronome has played a vital part in United's success across the last few years.

Many FUT16 players will overlook him, just like multiple England managers, because he isn't particularly glamorous.

Carrick is the type of player who, years after his retirement, fans will look back and realise what a vital cog he was. The Englishman is a leader, an excellent distributor and someone who allows other stars to shine in a selfless manner. FUT16 doesn't allow this type of subtle quality to shine through, though.